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Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights” said it best, “you're either first or you're last.”

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By James Bridges

The Shawnee News-Star

By James Bridges

Posted Jun. 11, 2014 at 3:31 PM

By James Bridges

Posted Jun. 11, 2014 at 3:31 PM

Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights” said it best, “you’re either first or you're last.”

It’s very hard for a lot of people, including me, to accept less than first place in anything we do. That’s probably good reason that it’s a terrible idea that I love to play a game that I will never be the best.

I should really consider choosing challenges more wisely. In other words, pick battles I know I can win. I just can’t help myself. Now that I think about it this seems to be a common theme in my life, work and play.

I try every tip and trick that I’ve heard - slow down, move the ball back, push through, turn the club. The list goes on. Just as soon as a combination of those tweaks work, inevitably something else goes wrong with my game.

I hate this game so much that it comes full circle and evolves into a love affair that only I and other golfers could understand.

Adding to the pile of difficulties, it seems that every time I’m on the golf course whether it’s a best ball scramble, league, or even tournament there’s always someone better and somehow, frustratingly, I more often than not get paired up with him – the best of the best.

Annoyingly, he ready’s himself with a perfect stance, never looking up as he hits extremely long and straight fairway shots. His approach to the green is spot-on. I really can’t describe the envy I have of his ability to one-putt. Every. Single. Time.

No matter, I will still charge forward. Nothing must deter me from winning. For I know that one day I will come close to beating my imaginary self whom is this “perfect” player. It will be then that I will see redemption for all the horrible cursed shots I’ve made for all these years of playing this god-awful game.